Winsor McCay is considered by many to be the father of modern comics. His comic Little Nemo in Slumberland, is still revered today for McKay’s skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail, as well heralding the modern comic world. While much has been written of McCay’s role with comics, this is the first book to place him in the art historical context. In this book Roeder places McKay into the historical context connecting his work to relevant literature, advertising, architecture, and other aspects of the world around. In addition, Roeder also connects him to the work of other early twentieth-century cartoonists and shines a light upon how McCay helped participate, and criticize, the rising culture of consumerism.

While this is not a biography of McCay in any sense of the word, it does give us some sense of who he is by the world he helped create and the world that he has continued to influence long after his death. Multiple luminaries cite him as inspiration, including Will Eisner, Bill Watterson, and more. In this work Roeder gives a greater understanding of who McCay is and about his work. 4 out of 5 stars.

The electronic galley of the book does not do it justice. It's an oversized hardcover, beautifully illustrated, in ways that make history come alive.